Developers for the Water Campus, Baton Rouge’s research hub that will bring together world-class scientists devoted to finding ways to restore and protect Louisiana’s shrinking coastline, recently selected Baton Rouge-based Coleman Partners Architects and global architect firm Perkins + Will to design its first building.

The companies were chosen from a group of four teams that presented to a selection committee, based their ability to express the overall mission of the Water
Institute of The Gulf and embrace the Mississippi River as its leading
design component, project budget, operational efficiencies, sustainable
design that reflects the ecologically sensitive nature of the project
and its unique site, officials said.

According to a statement, the selection panel consisted of architects, contractors, scientists, engineers, planners and chief executives of the Baton Rouge Area Foundation and Commercial Properties Realty Trust.

“It’s an honor for Coleman Partners Architects LLC/Perkins+Will to have been chose for this project. Not only will this project be transformative for the skyline of Baton Rouge, but this building will enhance the efforts of the Water Institute of the Gulf to meet its mission to research, restore and enhance our coastal environments” said Buddy Ragland, principal at Coleman Partners Architects LLC.”

The project initially emerged from the combined efforts of the state, the Baton Rouge Area Foundation, The Water Institute of the Gulf, the city-parish and Louisiana universities. Crews will begin construction later this year on the building, which will be headquarters for the Water Institute of the Gulf, and the research and interpretive center. The approximately 45,000-square-foot, $20 million structure will house exhibit areas, an interpretive gallery, offices, research labs and meeting and conference spaces. The building will sit on the dock, along the banks of the Mississippi River.

“The building on the dock will return Baton Rouge to the riverfront, extend the revival of downtown to the Nicholson corridor and be an emblem for the future of our region,” said John Davies, president and CEO of the Baton Rouge Area Foundation.

The two companies are currently designing other Baton Rouge area
projects, including LSU’s School of Engineering Patrick Taylor Hall
renovation and additions.